These apple fritters are tender, slightly sweet, and best of all gluten free. This easy recipe for baking the apple fritters makes them a little healthier than the fried version.
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We usually start the day with breakfast. And most days breakfast includes muffins, granola mixed with fruit, or oatmeal.
Sometimes I get a craving for something a little sweeter to start the day. On those days, these apple fritters fit the bill.
The combination of apples, brown sugar, and vanilla icing makes a delicious donut that’s great for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a sweet treat. And baking the fritters means a little less guilt than frying them.
If you’ve been looking for an easy recipe for oven baked apple fritters, you’ve come to the right place.
Why this Recipe Works
- The butter, spices, and vanilla add warmth and richness.
- Using baking powder gives lift to the fritters.
- The combination of apples and brown sugar, along with the glaze adds flavor without being overly sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters
- Gluten free flour blend - I use a 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour in this recipe.
- Brown sugar - Golden brown or light brown sugar will work.
- Baking powder - Fresh baking powder is a must for these fritters. Check the expiration date to make sure your baking powder is still fresh.
- Cinnamon - Ground cinnamon.
- Nutmeg - Ground nutmeg.
- Allspice - Ground allspice.
- Salt - Table salt.
- Butter - Cold unsalted butter.
- Milk - I use 2% milk, but whole milk will also work.
- Egg - A large egg.
- Vanilla - Pure vanilla extract.
- Apples - I like to use Granny Smith apples, but you can use Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious if you prefer.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar - Also known as confectioner’s sugar, the powdered sugar gives the glaze a silky consistency.
- Milk - I use 2% milk in the glaze, but you can substitute whole milk if you prefer.
- Vanilla - Pure vanilla extract.
How to Make Oven Baked Apple Fritters
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, then cut in the butter.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined.
- Fold in the apples.
- Scoop the dough onto a large baking sheet.
- Bake at 400-degrees for 12 minutes.
- Brush the top of the fritters with glaze and broil for 2-4 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and brush the fritters with the remaining glaze.
- Allow the fritters to cool slightly before serving.
Step By Step Instructions
(For ingredient amounts see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
Make the Fritters:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until combined.
Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the apples.
Using a large scoop, drop the dough onto a large unlined baking sheet.
Bake at 400° F for 11-13 minutes, or until the centers are set and the bottoms are starting to brown.
Remove the pan to a wire rack and turn the oven to broil.
Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Brush the tops of the fritters with a thin layer of glaze. Place the sheet of fritters under the broiler.
Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the glaze bubbles and the tops of the fritters turn a light brown.
Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and brush the remaining glaze over the tops of the warm fritters.
Allow the fritters to cool slightly and the glaze to set before serving.
More Gluten Free Apple Recipes
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Check your baking powder for freshness. Put a teaspoon of baking powder in a coffee cup and pour ½ cup of hot water over it. If the baking powder bubbles, you’re good to go.
- Check the ingredients of your gluten free flour blend for xanthan gum. If your flour mix doesn’t contain it, try adding ½ teaspoon to the recipe. I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour which contains xanthan gum.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Just stir until combined.
- Use a large scoop to get the batter onto the baking sheet. If you don’t have a scoop, you can use a ¼ cup measuring cup.
Use a good baking apple like Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp. All of these varieties have a firm texture and hold up well under heat.
I prefer the tartness of the Granny Smith so they’re my choice in this recipe. If you prefer a sweeter apple flavor, use Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp.
It’s up to you if you want to peel the apples. Apple peels may get chewy when baked, but some like the added texture.
I like to peel the apples because the apple chunks are more tender without the skin.
These fritters are best enjoyed the same day they’re made. They will last for 1-2 days stored in an airtight container.
If you’re looking for an easy, apple fritters recipe, give these oven baked apple fritters a try! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a special treat. Enjoy!
More Gluten Free Donut Recipes You’ll Love
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Recipe
Baked Gluten Free Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups gluten free flour blend
- ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apples
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Fritters:
- Preheat oven to 400° F. Set aside a large unlined baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until combined.
- Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the apples.
- Using a large scoop, drop the dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the centers are set and the bottoms are starting to brown.
- Remove the pan to a wire rack and turn the oven to broil.
Make the Glaze:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Brush the tops of the fritters with a thin layer of glaze. Place the sheet of fritters under the broiler. Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the glaze bubbles and the tops of the fritters turn a light brown.
- Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and brush the remaining glaze over the tops of the warm fritters.
- Allow the fritters to cool slightly and the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Check your baking powder for freshness. Put a teaspoon of baking powder in a coffee cup and pour ½ cup of hot water over it. If the baking powder bubbles, you’re good to go.
- Check the ingredients of your gluten free flour blend for xanthan gum. If your flour mix doesn’t contain it, try adding ½ teaspoon to the recipe. I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour which contains xanthan gum.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Just stir until combined.
- Use a large scoop to get the batter onto the baking sheet. If you don’t have a scoop, you can use a ¼ cup measuring cup.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary based on products and brands you use. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the ingredients you are using with your preferred nutrition calculator.
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